Photo requirements for the Vietnam e-visa application and how to fix issues at the last minute
When submitting a Vietnam e-visa application, submitting high-quality, correct photos is essential. Many applications are delayed or require amendments because the images do not meet the official requirements set by the Vietnam Immigration Department. To avoid processing delays, ensure both your passport biodata page and your portrait photo scan fully comply with the guidelines below.
Portrait photo requirements
The portrait photo used in a Vietnam e-visa application must be a recent, clear, colour image taken within the last 6 months. The photo should show your full face, looking straight at the camera, with a neutral facial expression. Smiling, frowning, or exaggerated expressions should be avoided.
The background must be plain white or light-coloured, with no shadows or patterns. Your face should be evenly lit, with no glare, reflections, or dark areas. You must remove hats, caps, and head coverings unless worn for religious reasons. Glasses should not be worn, especially if they cause reflections or obscure the eyes.
The image must be clear and in focus, without blur or pixelation. Selfies, group photos, cropped images, or photos taken from an angle are not accepted.
No shadow
Plain white background
No eyeglasses
Correct head position
Passport biodata page scan requirements
In addition to the portrait photo, applicants must upload a clear scanned copy or high-quality photo of the passport biodata page. The entire page must be visible, including your full name, passport number, date of birth, nationality, issue date, expiration date and the ICAO line.
The passport scan should be in colour, well-lit, and free from shadows, glare, or reflections. All text must be readable, and the passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended entry date into Vietnam. Cropped, blurry, or black-and-white images may delay or result in rejection of your Vietnam e-visa application.
File format and quality guidelines
Both the portrait photo and passport scan should be uploaded in JPEG or PNG format, with clear resolution and a file size of less than 3MB. Files should not be edited, filtered, or altered digitally, as this may result in the application being flagged for review.
Common photo mistakes to avoid
Many Vietnam e-visa applications require amendments due to simple photo issues, such as blurry images, incorrect background colours, shadows on the face, wearing glasses or headwear, incomplete passport scans, or photos taken too far away. Ensuring your photos meet all requirements before submission can significantly reduce processing time.
- When taking a photo of your passport biodata page, ensure the image is taken neatly and flat so that all text and numbers appear straight and clearly readable. Avoid bending the page, as distorted images may affect data extraction.
- Do not place your passport under strong or direct light sources. Glare or reflections on the passport surface can obscure important information and cause processing issues.
- Do not use a cropped image taken from your passport as a portrait photo. Instead, take a recent picture of yourself against a plain, light-colored background using your phone or camera to ensure clarity and compliance with photo requirements.
- Only the photo of the passport biodata page with its 4 corners needs to be taken and uploaded. There is no need to upload an image of the entire passport or additional pages.
- Because blurred or unclear passport images may cause the system to incorrectly read and extract personal data, you should carefully review all extracted information before submitting your Vietnam e-visa application.
Final tips for a successful Vietnam e-visa application
Before submitting your Vietnam e-visa application, double-check that:
- Your portrait photo clearly shows your face with no obstructions
- Your passport biodata page is fully visible and readable
- All details in the application exactly match your passport
If your application status changes to “Amendment required,” carefully follow the instructions to re-upload corrected photos as soon as possible.
What should you do if your photos are rejected just before your flight departure?
If you receive an email from the Vietnam Immigration Department informing you that your photos are incorrect and your flight is scheduled to depart the next day, it can be extremely stressful. Although you are usually required to amend the visa application by uploading new photos, the standard processing time after amendment is 3–5 working days, which means 24 hours is typically not enough for approval.
1. Take immediate action
In this situation, waiting for normal processing is not a viable option. You should replace the photos immediately, ensuring they fully meet official requirements, and then seek emergency e-visa assistance without delay.
2. Change the flight if possible
If changing your flight does not incur a financial loss, it is often the simplest solution, as you will have more time to resolve the photo issues. However, if rescheduling your flight would be costly or result in the cancellation of hotel and tour bookings, or other reservations in Vietnam, you should consider seeking assistance from a professional Vietnam visa agency to help you urgently.
3. Use an emergency e-visa or expedited processing service
When your departure is imminent, the most effective solution is to request an expedited or emergency Vietnam e-visa service. This allows your corrected application to be prioritised and manually reviewed through official channels. In many cases, visas can be issued within a few hours, depending on the nationality and submission time.
Frequently asked questions
- +Is it neccessary to take a photo in colour?
Yes, photos must be taken in color. Black and white photos are not accepted
- +What is the acceptable head size and position for the photo?
The head should fill approximately 60–70% of the image, be centrally positioned, and face directly forward.
- +How recent should the photo be taken?
The photo must be taken within the last 6 months.
- +Are there any restrictions on headgear in the photo?
Headgear is only acceptable for religious or medical purposes, and the applicant’s face and ears must be completely visible.
- +Is there a specific dress code for the photo?
Applicants should avoid wearing light colored clothing, but there is no specific dress code.
- +Is there any guidance for taking passport photo of babies or infants?
Yes, infants and children require their own passport or visa photos. Parents cannot be in the photo with their child, and the child should have a neutral expression with eyes open and mouth closed. Toys, bottles, and pacifiers should not be in the photo.
